Mark Calcavecchia Removed from Augusta for Phone Violation

Former major golf champion Mark Calcavecchia was escorted from Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday during preparations for the Masters tournament after violating the venue's strict prohibition on cell phone use.

The 65-year-old Calcavecchia, winner of the 1989 Open Championship at Royal Troon, was present as an honorary invitee, a status granted to past major winners. He competed in the Masters 18 times between 1987 and 2008, achieving his best finish as runner-up in 1988. Security personnel removed him from the grounds following the incident, which occurred amid practice rounds and other pre-tournament activities attended by players, past champions, and guests.

Calcavecchia did not deny the report when contacted afterward. "I've got nothing negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, so I think we should literally hang up right now," he told a reporter before ending the call. Officials at Augusta National have not commented publicly on the matter.

The club's no-phone policy applies universally to patrons, honored guests, members, and media, regardless of status. Established as part of the venue's commitment to tradition since its founding in 1933, the...